Flexible, UV-resistant poly(phenylene ether) composition and insulated conductor and jacketed cable comprising the composition

ABSTRACT

A poly(phenylene ether) composition includes specific amounts of a poly(phenylene ether), a hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic monomer and a conjugated diene, a polypropylene or a polyethylene, a low molecular weight polybutene, a flame retardant, a liquid ultraviolet absorbing agent, and a poly (alkylene oxide). The composition can be useful as an insulation or jacketing material for wires and cables, where the insulation and jacketing materials including the composition can have reduced surface blooming.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a National Stage application of PCT/M2018/056777,filed Sep. 5, 2018, which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 62/557,262 filed on Sep. 12, 2017, both of which are incorporated byreference herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

In the consumer electronics market, insulated conductors and jacketedcables are widely used to charge devices, and to transfer data to andfrom devices. Devices are often sold in a variety of colors, withmatching colored insulated conductors and/or jacketed cables. Insulationand jacketing compositions containing poly(phenylene ether)s are knownto exhibit many desirable properties, including flexibility, heatresistance, flame retardancy, and colorability. However, light-coloredversions of these compositions can exhibit undesirable color changes(e.g., yellowing) on exposure to ultraviolet radiation. And while theincorporation of ultraviolet absorbers to such compositions can reduceunwanted color changes, relatively high concentrations of theultraviolet absorbers can be required and be accompanied by unwantedmigration of the ultraviolet absorber to the surface of an insulatedconductor or jacketed cable (i.e., “surface blooming”). There remains aneed for light-colored poly(phenylene ether)-containing compositionsthat exhibit good stability to ultraviolet radiation as well as reducedsurface blooming.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

A poly(phenylene ether) composition comprises 15 to 45 parts by weight apoly(phenylene ether); 5 to 50 parts by weight of a hydrogenated blockcopolymer of an alkenyl aromatic monomer and a conjugated diene; 0 to 15parts by weight of a polypropylene or a polyethylene; 2 to 10 parts byweight of a polybutene having a number average molecular weight of 500to 1500 grams per mole; 10 to 45 parts by weight of a flame retardant;0.5 to 10 parts by weight of a liquid ultraviolet absorbing agent havinga melting point that is less than or equal to 25° C.; and 0.5 to 10parts by weight of a poly(alkylene oxide); wherein all parts by weightare based on 100 parts by weight total of flame retardants and polymersother than the poly(alkylene oxide).

An insulated conductor comprises a conductor; and an insulating coveringdisposed over the conductor; wherein the insulating covering comprises apoly(phenylene ether) composition comprising: 15 to 45 parts by weight apoly(phenylene ether); 5 to 50 parts by weight of a hydrogenated blockcopolymer of an alkenyl aromatic monomer and a conjugated diene; 0 to 15parts by weight of a polypropylene or a polyethylene; 2 to 10 parts byweight of a polybutene having a number average molecular weight of 500to 1500 grams per mole; 10 to 45 parts by weight of a flame retardant;0.5 to 10 parts by weight of a liquid ultraviolet absorbing agent havinga melting point that is less than or equal to 25° C.; and 0.5 to 10parts by weight of a poly(alkylene oxide); wherein all parts by weightare based on 100 parts by weight total of flame retardants and polymersother than the poly(alkylene oxide).

A jacketed cable comprises a conductor; an insulating coveringsurrounding the conductor; and a jacket surrounding the insulatingcovering; wherein the jacket comprises a composition comprising 15 to 45parts by weight a poly(phenylene ether); 5 to 50 parts by weight of ahydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic monomer and aconjugated diene; 0 to 15 parts by weight of a polypropylene or apolyethylene; 2 to 10 parts by weight of a polybutene having a numberaverage molecular weight of 500 to 1500 grams per mole; 10 to 45 partsby weight of a flame retardant; 0.5 to 10 parts by weight of a liquidultraviolet absorbing agent having a melting point that is less than orequal to 25° C.; and 0.5 to 10 parts by weight of a poly(alkyleneoxide); wherein all parts by weight are based on 100 parts by weighttotal of flame retardants and polymers other than the poly(alkyleneoxide).

The above described and other features are exemplified by the followingFIGURE and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following FIGURE represents an exemplary embodiment, wherein likeelements are numbered alike.

FIG. 1 shows (A) a side view and (B) a cross-section of a jacketedcable.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present inventors have determined that use of a liquid ultravioletabsorbing agent can provide good ultraviolet stability of flexiblepoly(phenylene ether) compositions, while also substantially reducingmigration of the ultraviolet absorbing agent to the surface of thecomposition. These features can be particularly advantageous forflexible, ultraviolet resistant compositions useful for wire and cableapplications.

Accordingly, an aspect of the present disclosure is a poly(phenyleneether) composition, comprising 15 to 45 parts by weight a poly(phenyleneether); 5 to 50 parts by weight of a hydrogenated block copolymer of analkenyl aromatic monomer and a conjugated diene; 0 to 15 parts by weightof a polypropylene or a polyethylene; 2 to 10 parts by weight of apolybutene having a number average molecular weight of 500 to 1500 gramsper mole; 10 to 45 parts by weight of a flame retardant; 0.5 to 10 partsby weight of a liquid ultraviolet absorbing agent having a melting pointthat is less than or equal to 25° C.; and 0.5 to 10 parts by weight of apoly(alkylene oxide); wherein all parts by weight are based on 100 partsby weight total of flame retardants and polymers other than thepoly(alkylene oxide).

The composition comprises a poly(phenylene ether). Poly(phenyleneether)s include those comprising repeating structural units having theformula

wherein each occurrence of Z¹ is independently halogen, or unsubstitutedor substituted C₁-C₁₂ hydrocarbyl provided that the hydrocarbyl group isnot tertiary hydrocarbyl, or C₁-C₁₂ hydrocarbylthio, or C₁-C₁₂hydrocarbyloxy, or C₂-C₁₂ halohydrocarbyloxy wherein at least two carbonatoms separate the halogen and oxygen atoms; and each occurrence of Z²is independently hydrogen, halogen, unsubstituted or substituted C₁-C₁₂hydrocarbyl provided that the hydrocarbyl group is not tertiaryhydrocarbyl, C₁-C₁₂ hydrocarbylthio, C₁-C₁₂ hydrocarbyloxy, or C₂-C₁₂halohydrocarbyloxy wherein at least two carbon atoms separate thehalogen and oxygen atoms. As used herein, the term “hydrocarbyl”,whether used by itself, or as a prefix, suffix, or fragment of anotherterm, refers to a residue that contains only carbon and hydrogen. Theresidue can be aliphatic or aromatic, straight-chain, cyclic, bicyclic,branched, saturated, or unsaturated. It can also contain combinations ofaliphatic, aromatic, straight chain, cyclic, bicyclic, branched,saturated, and unsaturated hydrocarbon moieties. However, when thehydrocarbyl residue is described as substituted, it can, optionally,contain heteroatoms over and above the carbon and hydrogen members ofthe substituent residue. Thus, when specifically described assubstituted, the hydrocarbyl residue can also contain one or morecarbonyl groups, amino groups, hydroxyl groups, or the like, or it cancontain heteroatoms within the backbone of the hydrocarbyl residue. Asone example, Z¹ can be a di-n-butylaminomethyl group formed by reactionof a terminal 3,5-dimethyl-1,4-phenyl group with the di-n-butylaminecomponent of an oxidative polymerization catalyst.

The poly(phenylene ether) can comprise molecules havingaminoalkyl-containing end group(s), typically located in a positionortho to the hydroxyl group. Also frequently present aretetramethyldiphenoquinone (TMDQ) end groups, typically obtained from2,6-dimethylphenol-containing reaction mixtures in whichtetramethyldiphenoquinone by-product is present. The poly(phenyleneether) can be in the form of a homopolymer, a copolymer, a graftcopolymer, an ionomer, or a block copolymer, as well as combinationsthereof.

The poly(phenylene ether) can comprise a poly(phenyleneether)-polysiloxane block copolymer. As used herein, the term“poly(phenylene ether)-polysiloxane block copolymer” refers to a blockcopolymer comprising at least one poly(phenylene ether) block and atleast one polysiloxane block.

In some embodiments, the poly(phenylene ether)-polysiloxane blockcopolymer is prepared by an oxidative copolymerization method. In thismethod, the poly(phenylene ether)-polysiloxane block copolymer is theproduct of a process comprising oxidatively copolymerizing a monomermixture comprising a monohydric phenol and a hydroxyaryl-terminatedpolysiloxane. In some embodiments, the monomer mixture comprises 70 to99 parts by weight of the monohydric phenol and 1 to 30 parts by weightof the hydroxyaryl-terminated polysiloxane, based on the total weight ofthe monohydric phenol and the hydroxyaryl-terminated polysiloxane. Thehydroxyaryl-diterminated polysiloxane can comprise a plurality ofrepeating units having the structure

wherein each occurrence of R⁸ is independently hydrogen, C₁-C₁₂hydrocarbyl or C₁-C₁₂ halohydrocarbyl; and two terminal units having thestructure

wherein Y is hydrogen, C₁-C₁₂ hydrocarbyl, C₁-C₁₂ hydrocarbyloxy, orhalogen, and wherein each occurrence of R⁹ is independently hydrogen,C₁-C₁₂ hydrocarbyl or C₁-C₁₂ halohydrocarbyl. In a very specificembodiment, each occurrence of R⁸ and R⁹ is methyl, and Y is methoxyl.

In some embodiments, the monohydric phenol comprises 2,6-dimethylphenol,and the hydroxyaryl-terminated polysiloxane has the structure

wherein n is, on average, 5 to 100, or 30 to 60.

The oxidative copolymerization method produces poly(phenyleneether)-polysiloxane block copolymer as the desired product andpoly(phenylene ether) (without an incorporated polysiloxane block) as aby-product. It is not necessary to separate the poly(phenylene ether)from the poly(phenylene ether)-polysiloxane block copolymer. Thepoly(phenylene ether)-polysiloxane block copolymer can thus be utilizedas a “reaction product” that includes both the poly(phenylene ether) andthe poly(phenylene ether)-polysiloxane block copolymer. Certainisolation procedures, such as precipitation from isopropanol, make itpossible to assure that the reaction product is essentially free ofresidual hydroxyaryl-terminated polysiloxane starting material. In otherwords, these isolation procedures assure that the polysiloxane contentof the reaction product is essentially all in the form of poly(phenyleneether)-polysiloxane block copolymer. Detailed methods for formingpoly(phenylene ether)-polysiloxane block copolymers are described inU.S. Pat. Nos. 8,017,697 and 8,669,332 to Carrillo et al.

In some embodiments, the poly(phenylene ether) has an intrinsicviscosity of 0.25 to 1 deciliter per gram measured by Ubbelohdeviscometer at 25° C. in chloroform. Within this range, thepoly(phenylene ether) intrinsic viscosity can be 0.3 to 0.65 deciliterper gram, or 0.35 to 0.5 deciliter per gram, or 0.4 to 0.5 deciliter pergram. In some embodiments, the poly(phenylene ether) is apoly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) having an intrinsic viscosity of0.35 to 0.5 deciliter per gram. In some embodiments, the poly(phenyleneether) has an intrinsic viscosity of 0.35 to 0.5 deciliter per gram andcomprises poly(phenylene ether) homopolymer and poly(phenyleneether)-polysiloxane block copolymer.

In some embodiments, the poly(phenylene ether) comprises a homopolymeror copolymer of monomers selected from the group consisting of2,6-dimethylphenol, 2,3,6-trimethylphenol, and combinations thereof. Insome embodiments, the poly(phenylene ether)-polysiloxane block copolymercan, for example, contribute 0.05 to 2 weight percent, or 0.1 to 1weight percent, or 0.2 to 0.8 weight percent, of siloxane groups to thecomposition as a whole.

The composition comprises the poly(phenylene ether) in an amount of 15to 45 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight total of flameretardants and polymers other than the poly(alkylene oxide). Within thisrange, the poly(phenylene ether) amount can be 15 to 35 parts by weight,or 17 to 30 parts by weight.

In addition to the poly(phenylene ether), the composition comprises ahydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic monomer and aconjugated diene. For brevity, this component is referred to as the“hydrogenated block copolymer”. The hydrogenated block copolymer cancomprise 10 to 90 weight percent of poly(alkenyl aromatic) content and90 to 10 weight percent of hydrogenated poly(conjugated diene) content,based on the weight of the hydrogenated block copolymer. In someembodiments, the hydrogenated block copolymer is a low poly(alkenylaromatic content) hydrogenated block copolymer in which the poly(alkenylaromatic) content is 10 to less than 40 weight percent, or 20 to 35weight percent, or 25 to 35 weight percent, or 30 to 35 weight percent,all based on the weight of the low poly(alkenyl aromatic) contenthydrogenated block copolymer. In other embodiments, the hydrogenatedblock copolymer is a high poly(alkenyl aromatic content) hydrogenatedblock copolymer in which the poly(alkenyl aromatic) content is 40 to 90weight percent, or 50 to 80 weight percent, or 60 to 70 weight percent,all based on the weight of the high poly(alkenyl aromatic content)hydrogenated block copolymer.

In some embodiments, the hydrogenated block copolymer has a weightaverage molecular weight of 40,000 to 400,000 grams per mole. The numberaverage molecular weight and the weight average molecular weight can bedetermined by gel permeation chromatography and based on comparison topolystyrene standards. In some embodiments, the hydrogenated blockcopolymer has a weight average molecular weight of 200,000 to 400,000grams per mole, or 220,000 to 350,000 grams per mole. In otherembodiments, the hydrogenated block copolymer has a weight averagemolecular weight of 40,000 to 200,000 grams per mole, or 40,000 to180,000 grams per mole, or 40,000 to 150,000 grams per mole.

The alkenyl aromatic monomer used to prepare the hydrogenated blockcopolymer can have the structure

wherein R¹ and R² each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₈alkyl group, or a C₂-C₈ alkenyl group; R³ and R⁷ each independentlyrepresent a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₈ alkyl group, a chlorine atom, or abromine atom; and R⁴, R⁵, and R⁶ each independently represent a hydrogenatom, a C₁-C₈ alkyl group, or a C₂-C₈ alkenyl group, or R⁴ and R⁵ aretaken together with the central aromatic ring to form a naphthyl group,or R⁵ and R⁶ are taken together with the central aromatic ring to form anaphthyl group. Specific alkenyl aromatic monomers include, for example,styrene, chlorostyrenes such as p-chlorostyrene, methylstyrenes such asalpha-methylstyrene and p-methylstyrene, and t-butylstyrenes such as3-t-butylstyrene and 4-t-butylstyrene. In some embodiments, the alkenylaromatic monomer is styrene.

The conjugated diene used to prepare the hydrogenated block copolymercan be a C₄-C₂₀ conjugated diene. Suitable conjugated dienes include,for example, 1,3-butadiene, 2-methyl-1,3-butadiene,2-chloro-1,3-butadiene, 2,3-dimethyl-1,3-butadiene, 1,3-pentadiene,1,3-hexadiene, and the like, and combinations thereof. In someembodiments, the conjugated diene is 1,3-butadiene,2-methyl-1,3-butadiene, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments,the conjugated diene is 1,3-butadiene.

The hydrogenated block copolymer is a copolymer comprising (A) at leastone block derived from an alkenyl aromatic compound and (B) at least oneblock derived from a conjugated diene, in which the aliphaticunsaturated group content in the block (B) is at least partially reducedby hydrogenation. In some embodiments, the aliphatic unsaturation in the(B) block is reduced by at least 50 percent, or at least 70 percent. Thearrangement of blocks (A) and (B) includes a linear structure, a graftedstructure, and a radial teleblock structure with or without a branchedchain. Linear block copolymers include tapered linear structures andnon-tapered linear structures. In some embodiments, the hydrogenatedblock copolymer has a tapered linear structure. In some embodiments, thehydrogenated block copolymer has a non-tapered linear structure. In someembodiments, the hydrogenated block copolymer comprises a (B) block thatcomprises random incorporation of alkenyl aromatic monomer. Linear blockcopolymer structures include diblock (A-B block), triblock (A-B-A blockor B-A-B block), tetrablock (A-B-A-B block), and pentablock (A-B-A-B-Ablock or B-A-B-A-B block) structures as well as linear structurescontaining 6 or more blocks in total of (A) and (B), wherein themolecular weight of each (A) block can be the same as or different fromthat of other (A) blocks, and the molecular weight of each (B) block canbe the same as or different from that of other (B) blocks. In someembodiments, the hydrogenated block copolymer is a diblock copolymer, atriblock copolymer, or a combination thereof.

The hydrogenated block copolymer can consist ofpolystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-polystyrene triblock copolymer.

In some embodiments, the hydrogenated block copolymer excludes theresidue of monomers other than the alkenyl aromatic compound and theconjugated diene. In some embodiments, the hydrogenated block copolymerconsists of blocks derived from the alkenyl aromatic compound and theconjugated diene. It does not comprise grafts formed from these or anyother monomers. It also consists of carbon and hydrogen atoms andtherefore excludes heteroatoms. In some embodiments, the hydrogenatedblock copolymer includes the residue of one or more acid functionalizingagents, such as maleic anhydride.

Methods for preparing hydrogenated block copolymers are known in the artand many hydrogenated block copolymers are commercially available.Illustrative commercially available hydrogenated block copolymersinclude the polystyrene-poly(ethylene-propylene) diblock copolymersavailable from Kraton Performance Polymers Inc. as KRATON™ G1701 (havingabout 37 weight percent polystyrene) and G1702 (having about 28 weightpercent polystyrene); thepolystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-polystyrene triblock copolymersavailable from Kraton Performance Polymers Inc. as KRATON™ G1641 (havingabout 33 weight percent polystyrene), G1650 (having about 30 weightpercent polystyrene), G1651 (having about 33 weight percentpolystyrene), and G1654 (having about 31 weight percent polystyrene);and the polystyrene-poly(ethylene-ethylene/propylene)-polystyrenetriblock copolymers available from Kuraray as SEPTON™ S4044, S4055,S4077, and S4099. Additional commercially available hydrogenated blockcopolymers include polystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-polystyrene(SEBS) triblock copolymers available from Dynasol as CALPRENE™ H6140(having about 31 weight percent polystyrene), H6170 (having about 33weight percent polystyrene), H6171 (having about 33 weight percentpolystyrene), and H6174 (having about 33 weight percent polystyrene),and from Kuraray as SEPTON™ 8006 (having about 33 weight percentpolystyrene) and 8007 (having about 30 weight percent polystyrene);polystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene-styrene)-polystyrene tapered blockcopolymers available from Kraton Performance Polymers as KRATON™ A1535(having 56.3-60.3 weight percent polystyrene) and A1536 (having 37-44weight percent polystyrene);polystyrene-poly(ethylene-propylene)-polystyrene (SEPS) copolymersavailable from Kuraray as SEPTON™ 2006 (having about 35 weight percentpolystyrene) and 2007 (having about 30 weight percent polystyrene); andoil-extended compounds of these hydrogenated block copolymers availablefrom Kraton Performance Polymers Inc. as KRATON™ G4609 (containing about45% mineral oil, and the SEBS having about 33 weight percentpolystyrene) and G4610 (containing about 31% mineral oil, and the SEBShaving about 33 weight percent polystyrene); and from Asahi as TUFTEC™H1272 (containing about 36% oil, and the SEBS having about 35 weightpercent polystyrene). Mixtures of two of more hydrogenated blockcopolymers can be used.

The composition comprises the hydrogenated block copolymer in an amountof 5 to 40 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight total of flameretardants and polymers other than the poly(alkylene oxide). Within thisrange, the hydrogenated block copolymer can be present in an amount of 7to 20 parts by weight, or 7 to 17 parts by weight, based on 100 parts byweight total of flame retardants and polymers other than thepoly(alkylene oxide).

In addition to the poly(phenylene ether) and the hydrogenated blockcopolymer, the composition can comprises a polypropylene or apolyethylene. As used herein, the term “polypropylene” refers to apropylene homopolymer. The polypropylene can be atactic, syndiotactic,isotactic, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, thepolypropylene is an atactic polypropylene having a melt flow rate of 4to 16 grams per 10 minutes, or 5 to 12 grams per 10 minutes, measured at230° C. and 2.16 kilogram load according to ASTM D1238-13.

Suitable polypropylenes are commercially available as, for example, PP570P Resin from SABIC, and PP1304E3 Resin from ExxonMobil.

As used herein, the term “polyethylene” can include high densitypolyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), medium densitypolyethylene (MDPE), and linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE). Thedensity of polyethylene (HDPE, LDPE, MDPE, LLDPE) can be 0.90 gram/cm³to 0.98 gram/cm³. In some embodiments, the polyethylene is a linear lowdensity polyethylene.

The composition comprises the polypropylene or the polyethylene in anamount of 1 to 15 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight total offlame retardants and polymers other than the poly(alkylene oxide).Within this range, the polypropylene or polyethylene amount can be 2 to7 parts by weight.

In addition to the poly(phenylene ether), the hydrogenated blockcopolymer, and the polypropylene or the polyethylene, the compositioncomprises a polybutene having a number average molecular weight of 500to 1500 grams/mole. As used herein, the term “polybutene” refers to apolymer comprising at least 75 weight percent of units, or at least 80weight percent of units, derived from 1-butene, 2-butene,2-methylpropene (isobutene), or a combination thereof. The polybutenemay be a homopolymer or a copolymer. In some embodiments, the polybuteneconsists of units derived from 1-butene, 2-butene, 2-methylpropene(isobutene), or a combination thereof. In other embodiments, thepolybutene is a copolymer that comprises 1 to 25 weight percent ofrepeat units derived from a copolymerizable monomer such as ethylene,propylene, or 1-octene. In some embodiments, the polybutene is ahomopolymer of 2-methylpropene. In other embodiments, the polybutene isa copolymer of 2-methylpropene with 1-butene and/or 2-butene. In stillother embodiments, the polybutene is a combination of a homopolymer of2-methylpropene, and a copolymer of 2-methylpropene with 1-butene and/or2-butene.

The polybutene has a number average molecular weight of 500 to 1500grams/mole. Number average molecular weight can be determined by gelpermeation chromatography using polystyrene standards. Within the rangeof 500 to 1500 grams/mole, the number average molecular weight can be600 to 1400 grams/mole, or 600 to 1200 grams/mole.

Suitable polybutenes are commercially available as, for example,INDOPOL™ H-50 Resin from INEOS, and PB800 Resin from Daelim IndustrialCo. Ltd.

The composition comprises the polybutene in an amount of 2 to 10 partsby weight, based on 100 parts by weight total of flame retardants andpolymers other than the poly(alkylene oxide). Within this range, thepolybutene amount can be 3 to 9 parts by weight.

The composition further comprises a flame retardant. A flame retardantis a chemical compound or mixture of chemical compounds capable ofimproving the flame retardancy of the composition. Suitable flameretardants include organophosphate esters, metal dialkylphosphinates,bis(phenoxy)phosphazenes, nitrogen-containing flame retardants, metalhydroxides, and combinations thereof, preferably metal hydroxides, andcombinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the flame retardant comprises an organophosphateester. Exemplary organophosphate ester flame retardants includephosphate esters comprising phenyl groups, substituted phenyl groups, ora combination of phenyl groups and substituted phenyl groups, bis-arylphosphate esters based upon resorcinol such as, for example, resorcinolbis(diphenyl phosphate), as well as those based upon bisphenols such as,for example, bisphenol A bis(diphenyl phosphate). In some embodiments,the organophosphate ester is selected from tris(alkylphenyl) phosphates(for example, CAS Reg. No. 89492-23-9 or CAS Reg. No. 78-33-1),resorcinol bis(diphenyl phosphate) (CAS Reg. No. 57583-54-7), bisphenolA bis(diphenyl phosphate) (CAS Reg. No. 181028-79-5), triphenylphosphate (CAS Reg. No. 115-86-6), tris(isopropylphenyl) phosphates (forexample, CAS Reg. No. 68937-41-7), t-butylphenyl diphenyl phosphates(CAS Reg. No. 56803-37-3), bis(t-butylphenyl) phenyl phosphates (CASReg. No. 65652-41-7), tris(t-butylphenyl) phosphates (CAS Reg. No.78-33-1), and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the flame retardant comprises a metaldialkylphosphinate. As used herein, the term “metal dialkylphosphinate”refers to a salt comprising at least one metal cation and at least onedialkylphosphinate anion. In some embodiments, the metaldialkylphosphinate has the formula

wherein R^(a) and R^(b) are each independently C₁-C₆ alkyl; M iscalcium, magnesium, aluminum, or zinc; and d is 2 or 3. Examples ofR^(a) and R^(b) include methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl,tert-butyl, and n-pentyl. In some embodiments, R^(a) and R^(b) areethyl, M is aluminum, and d is 3 (that is, the metal dialkylphosphinateis aluminum tris(diethylphosphinate)).

In some embodiments, the flame retardant comprises abis(phenoxy)phosphazene. The bis(phenoxy)phosphazene can be oligomericor polymeric, and it can be cyclic or linear. In some embodiments, thebis(phenoxy)phosphazene is cyclic and has the structure

wherein m is an integer of 3 to 25; x and y are each independently 0, 1,2, 3, 4, or 5; and each occurrence of R^(c) and R^(d) is halogen, C₁-C₁₂alkyl, or C₁-C₁₂ alkoxyl.

In other embodiments, the bis(phenoxy)phosphazene is linear and has thestructure

wherein n is an integer from 3 to 10,000; X¹ represents a —N═P(OPh)₃group or a N═P(O)(OPh) group wherein Ph represents a phenyl group; Y¹represents a —P(OPh)₄ group or a —P(O)(OPh)₂ group; x and y are eachindependently 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5; and each occurrence of R^(c) andR^(d) is halogen, C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, or C₁-C₁₂ alkoxyl.

In some embodiments, the flame retardant comprises a nitrogen-containingflame retardant. Nitrogen-containing flame retardants include thosecomprising a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic base and a phosphate orpyrophosphate or polyphosphate acid. In some embodiments, thenitrogen-containing flame retardant has the formula

wherein g is 1 to 10,000, and the ratio off tog is 0.5:1 to 1.7:1,specifically 0.7:1 to 1.3:1, more specifically 0.9:1 to 1.1:1. It willbe understood that this formula includes species in which one or moreprotons are transferred from the phosphate group(s) to the melaminegroup(s). When g is 1, the nitrogen-containing flame retardant ismelamine phosphate (CAS Reg. No. 20208-95-1). When g is 2, thenitrogen-containing flame retardant is melamine pyrophosphate (CAS Reg.No. 15541 60-3). When g is, on average, greater than 2, thenitrogen-containing flame retardant is a melamine polyphosphate (CASReg. No. 56386-64-2). In some embodiments, the nitrogen-containing flameretardant is melamine pyrophosphate, melamine polyphosphate, or amixture thereof. In some embodiments in which the nitrogen-containingflame retardant is melamine polyphosphate, g has an average value ofgreater than 2 to 10,000, specifically 5 to 1,000, more specifically 10to 500. In some embodiments in which the nitrogen-containing flameretardant is melamine polyphosphate, g has an average value of greaterthan 2 to 500. Methods for preparing melamine phosphate, melaminepyrophosphate, and melamine polyphosphate are known in the art, and allare commercially available. For example, melamine polyphosphates may beprepared by reacting polyphosphoric acid and melamine, as described, forexample, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,025,419 to Kasowski et al., or by heatingmelamine pyrophosphate under nitrogen at 290° C. to constant weight, asdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,015,510 to Jacobson et al. In someembodiments, the nitrogen-containing flame retardant comprises melaminecyanurate.

In some embodiments, the flame retardant comprises a metal hydroxide.Suitable metal hydroxides include all those capable of providing fireretardancy, as well as combinations of such metal hydroxides. The metalhydroxide can be chosen to have substantially no decomposition duringprocessing of the fire additive composition and/or flame retardantthermoplastic composition. Substantially no decomposition is definedherein as amounts of decomposition that do not prevent the flameretardant additive composition from providing the desired level of fireretardancy. Exemplary metal hydroxides include, but are not limited to,magnesium hydroxide (for example, CAS Reg. No. 1309-42-8), aluminumhydroxide (for example, CAS Reg. No. 21645-51-2), cobalt hydroxide (forexample, CAS Reg. No. 21041-93-0), aluminum oxide hydroxide (forexample, CAS Reg. No. 1318-23-6, also known as boehmite), andcombinations thereof. In some embodiments, the metal hydroxide comprisesmagnesium hydroxide. In some embodiments the metal hydroxide has anaverage particle size less than or equal to 10 micrometers and/or apurity greater than or equal to 90 weight percent. In some embodimentsit is desirable for the metal hydroxide to contain substantially nowater, for example as evidenced by a weight loss of less than 1 weightpercent upon drying at 120° C. for 1 hour. In some embodiments the metalhydroxide can be coated, for example, with stearic acid or other fattyacid.

In some embodiments, the flame retardant is selected from the groupconsisting of magnesium dihydroxides, aluminum hydroxides, zinc borate,metal dialkylphosphinates, melamine polyphosphates, and combinationsthereof. In some embodiments, the flame retardant comprises a magnesiumdihydroxide, an aluminum hydroxide, a zinc borate, an aluminum oxidehydroxide, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing. Insome embodiments, the flame retardant is a magnesium dihydroxide.

The composition comprises the flame retardant in an amount of 10 to 45parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight total of flame retardantsand polymers other than the poly(alkylene oxide). In some embodiments,particularly in which the flame retardant comprises a metal hydroxide,the flame retardant amount can be 20 to 40 parts by weight, or 28 to 38parts by weight. In some embodiments, the composition can optionallyfurther comprise a smoke suppressant, for example a metal borate saltsuch as zinc borate, alkali metal or alkaline earth metal borate orother borate salts. Additionally other boron containing compounds, suchas boric acid, borate esters, boron oxides or other oxygen compounds ofboron can be useful.

In a specific embodiment, the composition comprises a metal hydroxideflame retardant, and, optionally, a metal borate smoke suppressant,preferably wherein the metal hydroxide is magnesium dihydroxide and themetal borate is zinc borate.

The composition further comprises an ultraviolet (UV) absorbing agentthat has a melting point that is less than or equal to 25° C. In someembodiments, the liquid UV absorbing agent has a melting point that isless than 25° C., or less than or equal to 15° C., or less than or equalto 10° C., or less than 0° C. Stated another way, the ultravioletabsorbing agent is a liquid at room temperature. For brevity, thiscomponent can also be referred to as a liquid ultraviolet (UV) absorbingagent. Suitable liquid UV absorbing agents include liquid hydroxylphenyl benzotriazole ultraviolet absorbing agents, liquid cyanoacrylateultraviolet absorbing agents, liquid hydroxybenzophenone ultravioletabsorbing agents, liquid hydroxyl phenyl triazine ultraviolet absorbingagents, liquid oxanilide ultraviolet absorbing agents, or a combinationcomprising at least one of the foregoing provided that the resultingcombination is a liquid at a temperature of less than or equal to 25° C.In some embodiments, the liquid ultraviolet absorbing agent is selectedfrom a liquid hydroxyl phenyl benzotriazole ultraviolet absorbing agent,a liquid cyanoacrylate ultraviolet absorbing agent, or a combinationthereof. Presently preferred liquid ultraviolet absorbing agents include2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-6-dodecyl-4-methyl phenol (CAS Reg. No.125304-04-3), 2-ethylhexyl-2-cyano-3,3-diphenyl acrylate (CAS Reg. No.6197-30-4), and combinations of liquid UV absorbing agents comprising atleast one of the foregoing.

The composition can exclude any UV absorbing agents that are not roomtemperature liquids, for example solid UV absorbing agents can beexcluded from the composition. For example, the composition can exclude2,2′-methylenebis[4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)-6-(2H-benzotriazole-2-yl)phenol] (CASReg. No. 103597-45-1),2-(4,6-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)-5-(octyloxy)phenol(CAS Reg. No. 2725-22-6),2-(4,6-bis((1,1-biphenyl)-4-yl)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)-5-((2-ethylhexyl)oxy)phenol(CAS Reg. No. 204583-39-1),2-(5-chloro-2H-benzotriazole-2-yl)-6-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-methyl phenol(CAS Reg. No. 147783-69-5), and the like, or a combination comprising atleast one of the foregoing solid ultraviolet absorbing agents.

The composition comprises the liquid UV absorbing agent in an amount of0.5 to 10 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight total of flameretardants and polymers other than the poly(alkylene oxide). Within thisrange, the ultraviolet absorbing agent amount can be 0.5 to 6 parts byweight, or 1 to 4 parts by weight.

The composition further comprises a poly(alkylene oxide). As usedherein, the term “poly(alkylene oxide)” includes homopolymers of C₂-C₄alkylene oxides (such as poly(ethylene oxide)s, poly(propylene oxide)s,poly(butylene oxide)s, and homopolymers of C₂-C₄ alkylene oxidesinitiated in the presence of a non-corresponding alcohol, such aspentaerythritol), random copolymers of C₂-C₄ alkylene oxides (such asrandom copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide), blockcopolymers of C₂-C₄ alkylene oxides (such as diblock and triblockcopolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide), mono(C₁-C₁₂)ethersand di(C₁-C₁₂)ethers of the foregoing (such as poly(ethylene oxide)dibutyl ether and poly(propylene oxide) monobutyl ether),mono(C₂-C₁₂)esters and di(C₂-C₁₂)esters of the foregoing (such aspoly(ethylene oxide) diacetyl ester and poly(propylene oxide)monopropionyl ester), and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, thepoly(alkylene oxide) excludes ester linkages.

In some embodiments, the poly(alkylene oxide) is selected from the groupconsisting of poly(ethylene oxide)s, poly(propylene oxide)s, randomcopolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, block copolymers ofethylene oxide and propylene oxide, monoalkyl ethers of the foregoing,dialkyl ethers of the foregoing, and combinations thereof. In a veryspecific embodiment, the poly(alkylene oxide) comprises a poly(propyleneoxide) mono(C₁-C₁₂-alkyl) ether.

In some embodiments, the poly(alkylene oxide) has a number averagemolecular weight of 300 to 40,000 grams/mole. Within this range, thenumber average molecular weight can be 300 to 25,000 grams/mole,specifically 500 to 5,000 grams/mole.

The composition comprises the poly(alkylene oxide) in an amount of 0.5to 10 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight total of flameretardants and polymers other than the poly(alkylene oxide). Within thisrange, the poly(alkylene oxide) amount can be 1 to 6 parts by weight, or1 to 4 parts by weight.

In some embodiments, the composition further comprises a copolymer ofmonomers comprising ethylene and a C₃-C₁₂ alpha-olefin. The C₃-C₁₂alpha-olefin can be, for example, 1-butene, 1-hexene, or 1-octene. TheC₃-C₁₂ alpha-olefin content in the copolymer can be, for example, 10 to50 weight percent. The copolymer can, optionally, further compriseadditional monomers, such as maleic anhydride, which can be present inthe backbone of the copolymer or as a graft. In some embodiments, thecopolymer of monomers comprising ethylene and a C₃-C₁₂ alpha-olefincomprises a copolymer of ethylene and 1-octene, and a maleicanhydride-grafted copolymer of ethylene and 1-octene.

When present in the composition, the copolymer of monomers comprisingethylene and a C₃-C₁₂ alpha-olefin can be used in an amount of 5 to 30parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight total of flame retardantsand polymers other than the poly(alkylene oxide). Within this range, theamount of the copolymer can be 10 to 30 parts by weight, or 20 to 30parts by weight.

The composition can, optionally, further comprise one or more additivesknown in the thermoplastics art. For example, the composition can,optionally, further comprise an additive chosen from stabilizers, moldrelease agents, lubricants, processing aids, drip retardants, hinderedamine light stabilizers, cycloaliphatic epoxy resins, dyes, pigments,antioxidants, anti-static agents, mineral oil, metal deactivators, andcombinations thereof. When present, such additives are typically used ina total amount of less than or equal to 15 parts by weight, or less thanor equal to 12 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight total offlame retardants and polymers other than the poly(alkylene oxide).Excluding white pigment, such additives are typically used in a totalamount of less than or equal to 5 parts by weight, or less than or equalto 4 parts by weight, or less than or equal to 3 parts by weight, basedon 100 parts by weight total of flame retardants and polymers other thanthe poly(alkylene oxide).

The composition can, optionally, minimize or exclude polymers other thanthose described herein as required or optional. For example, in someembodiments the composition comprises 0 to 2 parts by weight, or 0 to 1part by weight, or 0 part by weight, of homopolystyrenes, based on 100parts by weight total of flame retardants and polymers other than thepoly(alkylene oxide). As another example, in some embodiments thecomposition comprises 0 to 2 parts by weight, or 0 to 1 part by weight,or 0 part by weight, of rubber-modified polystyrenes, based on 100 partsby weight total of flame retardants and polymers other than thepoly(alkylene oxide). As another example, in some embodiments thecomposition comprises 0 to 2 parts by weight, or 0 to 1 part by weight,or 0 part by weight, of polyamides, based on 100 parts by weight totalof flame retardants and polymers other than the poly(alkylene oxide).

In a very specific embodiment of the composition, the poly(phenyleneether) comprises a poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) having anintrinsic viscosity of 0.35 to 0.5 deciliter per gram and apoly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether)-polysiloxane block copolymerhaving an intrinsic viscosity of 0.35 to 0.5 deciliter per gram; thehydrogenated block copolymer comprises apolystyrene-poly(ethylene/butylene)-polystyrene triblock copolymer; theflame retardant comprises magnesium dihydroxide; the ultravioletabsorbing agent comprises a liquid hydroxyl phenyl benzotriazoleultraviolet absorbing agent, a liquid cyanoacrylate ultravioletabsorbing agent, or a combination comprising at least one of theforegoing; the poly(alkylene oxide) comprises a poly(propylene oxide)mono(C₁-C₁₂-alkyl) ether; the composition further comprises a copolymerof monomers comprising ethylene and a C₃-C₁₂ alpha-olefin, wherein thecopolymer of monomers comprising ethylene and a C₃-C₁₂ alpha-olefincomprises a copolymer of ethylene and 1-octene, and a maleicanhydride-grafted copolymer of ethylene and 1-octene; and thecomposition comprises 17 to 30 parts by weight of the poly(phenyleneether), 7 to 17 parts by weight of the hydrogenated block copolymer, 2to 7 parts by weight of the polypropylene or the polyethylene, 3 to 9parts by weight of the polybutene, 20 to 30 parts by weight of thecopolymer of monomers comprising ethylene and a C₃-C₁₂ alpha-olefin, 28to 38 parts by weight of the flame retardant, 1 to 4 parts by weight ofthe liquid ultraviolet absorbing agent, and 1 to 4 parts by weight ofthe poly(alkylene oxide).

The composition exhibits a relatively small color shift on exposure toultraviolet light. For example, in some embodiments the compositionexhibits a CIELAB color shift (delta E) of 7 or less, or 6.5 or less,after 300 hours of xenon arc exposure according to ASTM D4459-12. Theresistance to ultraviolet light is particularly useful when thecomposition is light-colored. For example, in some embodiments, thecomposition exhibits a lightness value, L*, of 70 to 95, or 70 to 90,measured according to ASTM D2244-15a using a D65 standard illuminant.

The composition exhibits a melt flow rate (MFR) of 7 to 25 grams per 10minutes as determined according to ASTM D1238 at 250° C. and 10 kilogramload over 300 seconds.

The composition exhibits a flexural modulus of 35 to 65 MPa, or 40 to 60MPa, as determined according to ASTM D790 at 23° C. using barcross-sectional dimensions of 6.4×12.7 millimeters, and a test speed of12.5 millimeters/minute.

The composition exhibits a tensile stress at break of 10 to 14 MPa and atensile elongation at break of 140 to 250%. Tensile properties can bedetermined according to ASTM D638 at a test speed of 50 mm/min.

The composition can exhibit a Shore A Hardness of 80 to 100, or 85 to95, as determined according to ASTM D2240.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is an insulated conductorcomprising a conductor, and an insulating covering disposed overt theconductor. The insulating covering comprises 15 to 45 parts by weight apoly(phenylene ether); 5 to 50 parts by weight of a hydrogenated blockcopolymer of an alkenyl aromatic monomer and a conjugated diene; 0 to 15parts by weight of a polypropylene or a polyethylene; 2 to 10 parts byweight of a polybutene having a number average molecular weight of 500to 1500 grams per mole; 10 to 45 parts by weight of a flame retardant;0.5 to 10 parts by weight of a liquid ultraviolet absorbing agent havinga melting point that is less than or equal to 25° C.; and 0.5 to 10parts by weight of a poly(alkylene oxide); wherein all parts by weightare based on 100 parts by weight total of flame retardants and polymersother than the poly(alkylene oxide). All of the above-described variantsof the composition apply as well to the insulated conductor.

In a very specific embodiment of the insulated conductor, thepoly(phenylene ether) comprises a poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether)having an intrinsic viscosity of 0.35 to 0.5 deciliter per gram and apoly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether)-polysiloxane block copolymerhaving an intrinsic viscosity of 0.35 to 0.5 deciliter per gram; thehydrogenated block copolymer comprises apolystyrene-poly(ethylene/butylene)-polystyrene triblock copolymer; theflame retardant comprises magnesium dihydroxide; the ultravioletabsorbing agent comprises a liquid hydroxyl phenyl benzotriazoleultraviolet absorbing agent, a liquid cyanoacrylate ultravioletabsorbing agent, or a combination comprising at least one of theforegoing; the poly(alkylene oxide) comprises a poly(propylene oxide)mono(C₁-C₁₂-alkyl) ether; the composition further comprises a copolymerof monomers comprising ethylene and a C₃-C₁₂ alpha-olefin, wherein thecopolymer of monomers comprising ethylene and a C₃-C₁₂ alpha-olefincomprises a copolymer of ethylene and 1-octene, and a maleicanhydride-grafted copolymer of ethylene and 1-octene; and thecomposition comprises 17 to 30 parts by weight of the poly(phenyleneether), 7 to 17 parts by weight of the hydrogenated block copolymer, 2to 7 parts by weight of the polypropylene or the polyethylene, 3 to 9parts by weight of the polybutene, 20 to 30 parts by weight of thecopolymer of monomers comprising ethylene and a C₃-C₁₂ alpha-olefin, 28to 38 parts by weight of the flame retardant, 1 to 4 parts by weight ofthe liquid ultraviolet absorbing agent, and 1 to 4 parts by weight ofthe poly(alkylene oxide).

Another embodiment is a jacketed cable comprising a conductor, aninsulating covering surrounding the conductor, and a jacket surroundingthe insulating covering, wherein the jacket comprises a compositioncomprising 15 to 45 parts by weight a poly(phenylene ether); 5 to 50parts by weight of a hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromaticmonomer and a conjugated diene; 0 to 15 parts by weight of apolypropylene or a polyethylene; 2 to 10 parts by weight of a polybutenehaving a number average molecular weight of 500 to 1500 grams per mole;10 to 45 parts by weight of a flame retardant; 0.5 to 10 parts by weightof a liquid ultraviolet absorbing agent having a melting point that isless than or equal to 25° C.; and 0.5 to 10 parts by weight of apoly(alkylene oxide); wherein all parts by weight are based on 100 partsby weight total of flame retardants and polymers other than thepoly(alkylene oxide). All of the above-described variants of thecomposition apply as well to the jacketed cable. There is no particularlimit on the composition of the insulating covering. In someembodiments, the insulating covering comprises the composition asdescribed herein. In other embodiments, the insulating coveringcomprises a different flexible composition, such as one of thosedescribed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2006/0131052 A1of Mhetar et al. In still other embodiments, the insulating coveringcomprises a foamed thermoplastic composition.

A side view and a cross-sectional view of a jacketed cable is presentedin FIGS. 1 (A) and (B), respectively, wherein jacketed cable 10 includesa conductor 12, an insulating covering 14 surrounding the conductor, andjacket 16 surrounding the insulating covering 14. The jacketed cable canbe formed by extrusion coating of conductor 12, with either step-wise orsimultaneous extrusion of the conductor with the covering and thejacket.

In a very specific embodiment of the jacketed cable, the poly(phenyleneether) comprises a poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) having anintrinsic viscosity of 0.35 to 0.5 deciliter per gram and apoly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether)-polysiloxane block copolymerhaving an intrinsic viscosity of 0.35 to 0.5 deciliter per gram; thehydrogenated block copolymer comprises apolystyrene-poly(ethylene/butylene)-polystyrene triblock copolymer; theflame retardant comprises magnesium dihydroxide; the ultravioletabsorbing agent comprises a liquid hydroxyl phenyl benzotriazoleultraviolet absorbing agent, a liquid cyanoacrylate ultravioletabsorbing agent, or a combination comprising at least one of theforegoing; the poly(alkylene oxide) comprises a poly(propylene oxide)mono(C₁-C₁₂-alkyl) ether; the composition further comprises a copolymerof monomers comprising ethylene and a C₃-C₁₂ alpha-olefin, wherein thecopolymer of monomers comprising ethylene and a C₃-C₁₂ alpha-olefincomprises a copolymer of ethylene and 1-octene, and a maleicanhydride-grafted copolymer of ethylene and 1-octene; and thecomposition comprises 17 to 30 parts by weight of the poly(phenyleneether), 7 to 17 parts by weight of the hydrogenated block copolymer, 2to 7 parts by weight of the polypropylene or the polyethylene, 3 to 9parts by weight of the polybutene, 20 to 30 parts by weight of thecopolymer of monomers comprising ethylene and a C₃-C₁₂ alpha-olefin, 28to 38 parts by weight of the flame retardant, 1 to 4 parts by weight ofthe liquid ultraviolet absorbing agent, and 1 to 4 parts by weight ofthe poly(alkylene oxide).

The composition, insulated conductor and the jacketed cable canadvantageously exhibit reduced surface blooming, attributed to the useof a liquid UV absorbing agent. The phenomenon of “blooming” is a commonproblem for polymer compositions, as incompatible materials can migrateto the surface of a molded part, resulting in “blooming”. Surfaceblooming defects tend to have a negative effect on the aestheticproperties of materials, and can impact performance. For example, amolded part comprising the composition, the insulated conductor, and thejacketed cable of the present disclosure can exhibit significantly lesssurface blooming relative to a molded part, an insulated conductor, or ajacketed cable comprising a composition including a solid UV absorbingagent.

This disclosure is further illustrated by the following examples, whichare non-limiting.

Examples

Materials used for the following examples are summarized in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Component Description PPE-Si/PPE A mixture ofpoly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether) (CAS Reg. No. 24938-67-8) andpoly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether-polydimethylsiloxane blockcopolymer (CAS Reg. No. 1202019-56-4), the mixture having a polysiloxanecontent of about 5 weight percent and an intrinsic viscosity of about0.40 deciliter per gram as measured in chloroform at 25° C.; preparedaccording to the procedure of U.S. Pat. No. 8,017,697 to Carrillo etal., Example 16. PP Propylene homopolymer, CAS Reg. No. 9003-07-0,having a melt mass-flow rate of 8 grams per 10 minutes, measuredaccording to ASTM D1238 at 230° C. and a 2.16 kilogram load; obtained asPP 570P from SABIC Innovative Plastics. LLDPE Linear low densitypolyethylene, CAS Reg. No. 25087-34-7, having a melt flow rate of about20 grams per 10 minutes at 190° C. and 2.16 kilogram load; obtained asLLDPE M200024 from SABIC. Mg(OH)₂ Magnesium dihydroxide, CAS Reg. No.1309-42-8, surface treated with aminosiloxane; obtained as MAGNIFIN ™H-5IV from Albemarle. PB Polybutene, CAS Reg. No. 9003-29-6, having akinematic viscosity of 100-125 centistokes at 100° C.; obtained asINDOPOL ™ H-50 from INEOS. Erucamide Erucamide, CAS Reg. No. 112-84-5;obtained as KEMAMIDE ™ E Ultra from Crompton Corp. Antioxidant-1Reaction products of phosphorus trichloride with 1,1′-biphenyl and2,4-bis(1,1- dimethylethyl)phenol, CAS Reg. No. 119345-01-6; obtained asHOSTANOX ™ P- EPQ ™ from Clariant. Antioxidant-2 Octadecyl3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyhydrocinnamate, CAS Reg. No. 2082-79-3;obtained as IRGANOX 1076 from BASF. Antioxidant-3 Pentaerythritol3-(4-hydroxy-3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl)propionate (1:4), CAS Reg. No.6683-19-8; obtained as IRGANOX 1010 from BASF Corp. Antioxidant-4Tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphite, CAS Reg. No. 31570-04-4;obtained as IRGAFOS ™ 168 from BASF Corp. Metal Deactivator2′,3-bis[[3-[3, 5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl]propionyl]]propionohydrazide, CAS Reg. No. 32687-78-8; obtained as IRGANOX  ™ MD1024 from BASF. Fragrance A polyethylene encapsulated fragrance;obtained as IFI-7191 PBD from International Flavors and Fragrances, Inc.TiO₂ Titanium dioxide, CAS Reg. No. 13463-67-7, obtained as Ti-Pure ™ R103-15 from DuPont. CB Carbon black (pigment); pH = 7.85; heating loss =1.87 weight percent; sulfur = 0.45 weight percent; iodine absorption =230.8 grams/kilogram; toluene discoloration number = 99.5 percenttransmittance; solvent extractables = 0.01 weight percent; volatileconstituents = 1.85 weight percent; obtained as Monarch 800 from CabotCorp. Pigment Blue 29 Pigment Blue 29, CAS Reg. No. 57455-37-5; obtainedas Ultramarine 5085 from Holliday Pigments, a division of Huntsman.Pigment Red 101 Pigment red 101 (iron (III) oxide), CAS Reg. No.1309-37-1; obtained as BAYFERROX ™ 180M or BAYFERROX ™ 110M from LanxessCorp or COLORTHERM ™ Red 180M from Bayer. UVA-1 2,2′-Methylenebis[4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)-6-(2H-benzotriazole-2-yl)phenol], CASReg. No. 103597-45-1; obtained as TINUVIN ™ 360 from BASF. UVA-22-14,6-bis([1,1′-biphenyl]-4-yl)-1.3.5-triazin-2-yl]-5-[(2-ethythexyl)oxy]-phenol,CAS Reg. No. 204583-39-1: obtained as TINUVIN ™ 1600 from BASF. UVA-32-(2H-Benzotriazol-2-yl)-6-dodecyl-4-methyl phenol, CAS Reg. No.125304-04-3; obtained as CHIGUARD 5571 from Chitec Technology Corp.UVA-4 2-Ethylhexyl- 2-cyano-3,3-diphenyl acrylate, CAS Reg. No.6197-30-4; obtained as CHIGUARD 336 from Chitec Technology Corp. UVA-52-(5-chloro-2H-benzotriazole-2-yl)-6-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-methylphenol, CAS Reg. No. 147783-69-5; obtained as HOSTAVIN PR-31P fromClariant. UVA-6 Hexadecyl 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoate, CAS Reg.No. 67845-93-6; obtained as CHIGUARD 1108 from Chitec Technology Corp.SEBS 1 Polystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-polystyrene triblockcopolymer, CAS Reg. No. 66070-58-4, having a polystyrene content ofabout 30-33 weight percent and a negligible melt flow, measured at 260°C. and 5 kilogram load according to ASTM D1238; obtained as KRATON G1651from Kraton Performance Polymers Inc. SEBS 2Polystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)-polystyrene triblock copolymer, CASReg. No. 66070-58-4, having a polystyrene content of about 27.7-30.7weight percent; obtained as KRATON ™ G1650 from Kraton PerformancePolymers Inc. POE-1 Poly(ethylene-co-l-octene), CAS Reg. No. 26221-73-8,having a melt flow of 1.1 grams per 10 minutes, measured at 190° C. and2.16 kilogram load according to ISO 1133; obtained as Exact 8201 fromExxon Mobil. POE-2 Poly(ethylene-co-l-octene), CAS Reg. No. 26221-73-8,having a melt flow of 10 grams per 10 minutes, measured at 190° C. and2.16 kilogram load according to ISO 1133; obtained as Exact 8210 fromExxon Mobil. POE-g-MAH Maleic anhydride-graftedpoly(ethylene-co-l-octene), having a melt flow rate of 1.6 grams per 10minutes, measured at 190° C. and 2.16 kilogram load according to ASTMD1238; obtained as FUSABOND ™ N493 from DuPont. PPO Poly(propyleneglycol) monobutyl ether, CAS Reg. No. 9003-13-8, having an averagemolecular weight of 1100 grams per mole; obtained as Polyglykol B01/40from Clariant. P(EO-PO) Ethylene glycol-propylene glycol blockcopolymer, CAS Reg. No. 691397-13-4, having an average molecular weightof 11,400; obtained as PLURONIC F88 from BASF Corp.

The compositions of the following examples were prepared by compoundingon a 37 mm Toshiba SE twin screw extruder. All materials were blendedtogether and fed by the main feeder. The strand of extruded compositionwas cut into pellets and dried for further molding or wire extrusion.Compounding conditions that were used are summarized in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Extrusion Unit Set Values Zone 1 Temp ° C. 50 Zone 2 Temp ° C.180 Zone 3 Temp ° C. 225 Zone 4 - 11 Temp ° C. 245 Die Temp ° C. 255Screw speed rpm 450 Throughput kg/hr 30

The molding conditions that were used are summarized in Table 3.

TABLE 3 Molding Unit Set Values Cnd: Pre-drying time Hour 4 Cnd:Pre-drying temp ° C. 80 Zone 1 temp ° C. 240 Zone 2 temp ° C. 250 Zone 3temp ° C. 250 Nozzle temp ° C. 250 Mold temp ° C. 40 Injection speedmm/s 25 Holding pressure kgf/cm² 600 Max. Injection pressure kgf/cm²1000

The ASTM and UL tests used to characterize the compositions of theexamples are summarized below in Table 4.

TABLE 4 Test Description MFR Melt flow rate was determined according toASTM D1238 at 250° C. and 10 kilogram load over 300 seconds. FlexuralModulus Flexural properties were determined according to ASTM D790 at23° C. using bar cross- sectional dimensions of 6.4 × 12.7 millimeters,and a test speed of 12.5 millimeters/minute. Tensile Modulus Tensileproperties were determined according to ASTM D638 at a test speed of 50mm/min. Hardness Shore A Hardness was determined according to ASTM D2240using two overlapping color chips with overall thickness of 6.4 mm andthe hardness was read at 30 seconds. Color CIELAB color parameters L*,a*, and b* were determined according to ASTM D2255 using a D65 lightsource. UV Aging UV aging was tested with an exposure time of 300 hoursand the color of the composite chip was measured every 100 hours.Suitable compositions of the present disclosure have a 300 hour colorshift of 12 or less. Wire Tensile Properties Wire tensile propertieswere determined using a test speed of 250 mm/min at 23° C. for 24 hoursof 80° C. for 168 hours. Vertical Flame Test Vertical flame test wasconducted according to EN 50265-2-1. Surface blooming test Cable/wiresamples having a length of 1 meter were conditioned under predeterminedtime and temp., wiped with a black cotton cloth. Powder on the cloth wasused to determine the rating of severity of surface blooming. Rating of0 = no surface blooming; rating of 5 = severe surface blooming.

Wire and cable samples were prepared for testing. Wire samples had anouter diameter of 2.7 millimeters and used a copper conductor having anouter diameter of 1.16 millimeters. The wire samples were extruded usinga melt temperature of 240° C. without preheating of the conductor. Theline speed was set to 60 meters per minute. The copper conductor usedwas AWG18 copper (0.16 mm×41 stranded copper) with a diameter of 1.16millimeters.

Cable samples (H03 Z1Z1 HF (Halogen-free) Cable) is a type of VDE cablehaving a configuration as shown in FIG. 1. The insulation layer had anouter diameter of 2.25 millimeters which were extruded at 240° C. withthe conductor being AWG18 copper (without preheating). The H03 cable wasextruded with 2 parallel insulations inside at 245° C. The line speedwas set to 20 meters per minute.

Cable tensile elongation values were determined as follows. Twoinsulated wires were removed from a length of cable to leave onlyjacket. The jacket was secured on the clamps of the tensile machine witha gage length of 50 millimeters and tested at the speed of 250millimeters/minute. The tensile elongation values were for elongation atbreak.

The cable vertical flame test was conducted according to EN50265-2-1.The test piece (complete cable) was secured to two horizontal supportsso that the distance between the bottom of the upper support and the topof the lower support was 550±5 millimeters. The fire was applied in anangle of 45° C. to the vertical axis of the sample and lasted for 60seconds. A sample passes the test if the distance between the lower edgeof the top support and the onset of charring is greater than 50millimeters. In addition, a sample fails the test if the burning extendsdownward to a point greater than 540 mm from the lower edge of the topsupport.

Compositions and properties are summarized in Table 5. For eachcomposition, component amounts are expressed in parts by weight per 100parts by weight total of polymers (PPE-Si, SEBS 1651, SEBS 1650, PP, PB,LLDPE, POE-1, POE-2, POE-g-MAH) and flame retardants (Mg(OH)₂). Notethat poly(alkylene oxide)s are not included in the polymers component ofthe 100 parts by weight polymers and flame retardants. “CE” denotes aComparative Example and “E” denotes an examples according to the presentdisclosure.

TABLE 5 Units CE1 CE2 CE3 CE4 CE5 E1 E2 E3 E4 E5 E6 E7 E8 E9 E10 E11 E12Component PPE-Si/PPE pbw 23.00 22.45 22.45 22.45 22.45 22.45 22.45 22.4523.47 22.45 22.45 22.45 22.45 22.45 22.45 22.45 22.45 SEBS 1 pbw 6.006.12 6.12 6.12 6.12 6.12 6.12 6.12 6.12 6.12 6.12 6.12 6.12 6.12 6.126.12 6.12 SEBS 2 pbw 6.00 6.12 6.12 6.12 6.12 6.12 6.12 6.12 6.12 6.126.12 6.12 6.12 6.12 6.12 6.12 6.12 PP pbw 3.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 PB pbw 5.00 5.105.10 5.10 5.10 5.10 5.10 5.10 5.10 5.10 5.10 5.10 5.10 5.10 5.10 5.105.10 LLDPE pbw 0.00 3.06 3.06 3.06 3.06 0.00 0.00 3.06 3.06 3.06 3.063.06 3.06 3.06 3.06 3.06 3.06 POE-1 pbw 7.00 7.14 7.14 7.14 7.14 7.147.14 7.14 7.14 7.14 7.14 7.14 7.14 7.14 7.14 7.14 7.14 POE-2 pbw 12.0012.24 12.24 12.24 12.24 12.24 12.24 12.24 12.24 12.24 12.24 12.24 12.2412.24 12.24 12.24 19.39 MAH-g-POE pbw 5.00 5.10 5.10 5.10 5.10 5.10 5.105.10 5.10 5.10 5.10 5.10 5.10 5.10 5.10 5.10 5.10 Mg(OH)2 pbw 33.0032.65 32.65 32.65 32.65 32.65 32.65 32.65 31.63 32.65 32.65 32.65 32.6532.65 32.65 32.65 32.65 Antioxidant-1 pbw 0.25 0.26 0.26 0.26 0.26 0.510.51 0.26 0.26 0.26 0.26 0.26 0.26 0.26 0.26 0.26 0.26 Antioxidant-2 pbw0.00 0.77 0.00 0.77 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.77 0.77 0.77 0.410.77 0.77 0.00 Antioxidant-3 pbw 0.00 0.00 0.77 0.00 0.77 0.00 0.00 0.770.7 0.77 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.36 0.00 0.00 0.77 Antioxidant-4 pbw 0.75 0.000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.000.00 UVA-1 pbw 1.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 UVA-2 pbw 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.02 2.04 0.000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 UVA-3 pbw 0.000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.04 0.00 2.04 2.04 0.00 0.00 2.04 0.00 0.00 2.552.55 0.00 UVA-4 pbw 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.04 0.00 0.00 2.042.04 0.00 2.04 2.04 0.00 0.00 2.55 UVA-5 pbw 0.00 2.04 0.00 0.00 0.000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 UVA-6 pbw0.00 0.00 2.04 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.000.00 0.00 0.00 PPO pbw 0.00 2.04 2.04 2.04 2.04 2.04 2.04 2.04 2.04 2.042.04 0.00 0.00 2.04 2.55 3.57 3.57 P(EO-PO) pbw 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.04 2.04 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Erucamidepbw 0.30 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.31 0.31 0.31 0.00 0.31 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.150.00 0.15 0.15 0.31 Fragrance pbw 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.060.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 TiO₂ pbw 8.18 6.296.29 6.29 7.80 8.35 8.35 6.29 6.29 6.29 6.29 6.29 6.29 6.29 6.29 6.296.29 CB pbw 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Pigment Blue 29 pbw 0.10 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.110.11 0.11 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.08 Pigment Red101 pbw 0.07 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.060.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 Properties MFR g/10 3.6 9.5 9.7 9.2 11.4 7.9 9.3 9.112.5 10.0 10.1 11.2 9.8 11.2 15.1 15.0 20.3 min Flex. Modulus MPa 44 5346 50 55 43 66 44 44 57 55 40 50 58 42 45 60 Tens. Stress @ MPa 13.712.7 12.9 13.6 12.9 13.2 12.3 12.6 12.8 12.5 12.9 12.4 10.8 11.6 11.210.9 10.5 Brk Tens. Elong. @ % 200 166 170 186 151 250 167 176 158 142179 218 144 144 184 183 153 Brk Shore A Hardness — 88 89 88 89 89 86 8988 88 89 89 87 88 90 86 86 88 Wire Tens. Elong.¹ % 232 207 274 268 245292 244 275 252 226 287 253 229 210 291 294 220 Wire Tens. Elong.² % 205201 240 218 210 253 227 219 215 188 248 226 202 185 248 246 211 VDE(H03) — Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass PassPass ND ND ND ΔE — 2.9 ND 7.5 ND 3.1 4 3.6 6.3 ND 5.3 3.2 ND 10.1 5.32.4 0.8 0.8 Surface Blooming — 5 5 4 3 3 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 ND ND ND ND =Not determined; ¹Wire tensile elongation determined at 250 mm/min, 23°C., 24 h; ²Wire tensile elongation determined at 250 mm/min, 80° C., 16h

Comparative examples 1-5 are compositions including solid UV absorbers.Comparative examples 1, 2, and 5 using UVA-1, -5, and -2, respectively,each showed surface blooming due to the use of the UVA powder. As shownin comparative example 3, using a solid UVA (UVA-6) together with a longpolyolefin chain does not solve the blooming issue. Additionally,decreasing the UVA loading also does not solve the problem of surfaceblooming as shown by comparative example 5 vs. 4.

In contrast, using a liquid UVA (UVA-3 or -4) improved the surfaceblooming of the compositions. Additionally, the compositions includingthe liquid UVA maintained a good overall balance of properties as shownby examples 1-12 in Table 5. Thus the compositions according to thepresent disclosure including a liquid UVA are suitable for use in cableapplications.

This disclosure further encompasses the following aspects, which arenon-limiting.

Aspect 1: A poly(phenylene ether) composition comprising 15 to 45 partsby weight a poly(phenylene ether); 5 to 50 parts by weight of ahydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic monomer and aconjugated diene; 0 to 15 parts by weight of a polypropylene or apolyethylene; 2 to 10 parts by weight of a polybutene having a numberaverage molecular weight of 500 to 1500 grams per mole; 10 to 45 partsby weight of a flame retardant; 0.5 to 10 parts by weight of a liquidultraviolet absorbing agent having a melting point that is less than orequal to 25° C.; and 0.5 to 10 parts by weight of a poly(alkyleneoxide); wherein all parts by weight are based on 100 parts by weighttotal of flame retardants and polymers other than the poly(alkyleneoxide).

Aspect 2: The composition of aspect 1, wherein the poly(phenylene ether)is a poly(phenylene ether) having an intrinsic viscosity of 0.35 to 0.5deciliter per gram and comprises poly(phenylene ether) homopolymer andpoly(phenylene ether)-polysiloxane block copolymer.

Aspect 3: The composition of aspect 1 or 2, wherein the flame retardantcomprises a magnesium dihydroxide, an aluminum hydroxide, an aluminumoxide hydroxide, or a combination comprising at least one of theforegoing, preferably a magnesium dihydroxide.

Aspect 4: The composition of any one or more of aspects 1 to 3, furthercomprising a smoke suppressant, preferably wherein the smoke suppressantis a metal borate, more preferably wherein the metal borate compriseszinc borate.

Aspect 5: The composition of any one or more of aspects 1 to 4, whereinthe liquid ultraviolet absorbing agent is a liquid hydroxyl phenylbenzotriazole ultraviolet absorbing agent, a liquid cyanoacrylateultraviolet absorbing agent, a liquid hydroxybenzophenone ultravioletabsorbing agent, a liquid hydroxyl phenyl triazine ultraviolet absorbingagent, a liquid oxanilide ultraviolet absorbing agent, or a combinationcomprising at least one of the foregoing.

Aspect 6: The composition of any one or more of aspects 1 to 5, whereinthe poly(alkylene oxide) is a poly(ethylene oxide), a poly(propyleneoxide), a random copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, ablock copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, a monoalkyl etherof the foregoing, a dialkyl ether of the foregoing, or a combinationcomprising at least one of the foregoing.

Aspect 7: The composition of any one or more of aspects 1 to 6, whereinthe poly(alkylene oxide) has a number average molecular weight of 300 to40,000 grams per mole.

Aspect 8: The composition of any one or more of aspects 1 to 7, whereinthe poly(alkylene oxide) comprises a poly(propylene oxide) mono (C₁₋₁₂alkyl) ether.

Aspect 9: The composition of any one or more of aspects 1 to 8, furthercomprising 5 to 30 parts by weight of a copolymer of monomers comprisingethylene and a C₃₋₁₂ alpha olefin.

Aspect 10: The composition of aspect 9, wherein the copolymer comprisinga copolymer of ethylene and 1-octene, and a maleic anhydride-graftedcopolymer of ethylene and 1-octene.

Aspect 11: The composition of any one or more of aspects 1 to 10,wherein the hydrogenated block copolymer comprises apolystyrene-poly(ethylene/butylene)-polystyrene triblock copolymer.

Aspect 12: The composition of aspect 1, comprising: 17 to 30 parts byweight of the poly(phenylene ether), 7 to 17 parts by weight of thehydrogenated block copolymer, 2 to 7 parts by weight of thepolypropylene or the polyethylene, wherein the polyethylene compriseslinear low density polyethylene, 3 to 9 parts by weight of thepolybutene, 15 to 25 parts by weight of a copolymer of monomerscomprising ethylene and a C₃₋₁₂ alpha olefin, 28 to 38 parts by weightof the flame retardant, 1 to 4 parts by weight of the liquid ultravioletabsorbing agent, and 1 to 4 parts by weight of the poly(alkylene oxide).

Aspect 13: The composition of aspect 12, wherein the poly(phenyleneether) is a poly(phenylene ether) having an intrinsic viscosity of 0.35to 0.5 deciliter per gram and comprises poly(phenylene ether)homopolymer and poly(phenylene ether)-polysiloxane block copolymer;wherein the flame retardant comprises magnesium dihydroxide; wherein thehydrogenated hydrogenated block copolymer comprises apolystyrene-poly(ethylene/butylene)-polystyrene triblock copolymer;wherein the liquid ultraviolet absorbing agent comprises a liquidhydroxyl phenyl benzotriazole ultraviolet absorbing agent, a liquidcyanoacrylate ultraviolet absorbing agent, or a combination comprisingat least one of the foregoing; wherein the poly(alkylene oxide)comprises a poly(propylene oxide) mono(C₁₋₁₂ alkyl ether); and whereinthe copolymer of monomers comprising ethylene and a C₃₋₁₂ alpha olefincomprises a copolymer of ethylene and 1-octene, and a maleicanhydride-grafted copolymer of ethylene and 1-octene.

Aspect 14: The composition of any one or more of aspects 1 to 13,further comprising an additive composition comprising one or more ofstabilizers, mold release agents, lubricants, processing aids, dripretardants, hindered amine light stabilizers, cycloaliphatic epoxyresins, dyes, pigments, antioxidants, anti-static agents, mineral oil,metal deactivators, and combinations comprising at least one of theforegoing.

Aspect 15: An insulated conductor comprising: a conductor; and aninsulating covering disposed over the conductor; wherein the insulatingcovering comprises a poly(phenylene ether) composition comprising: 15 to45 parts by weight a poly(phenylene ether); 5 to 50 parts by weight of ahydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic monomer and aconjugated diene; 0 to 15 parts by weight of a polypropylene or apolyethylene; 2 to 10 parts by weight of a polybutene having a numberaverage molecular weight of 500 to 1500 grams per mole; 10 to 45 partsby weight of a flame retardant; 0.5 to 10 parts by weight of a liquidultraviolet absorbing agent having a melting point that is less than orequal to 25° C.; and 0.5 to 10 parts by weight of a poly(alkyleneoxide); wherein all parts by weight are based on 100 parts by weighttotal of flame retardants and polymers other than the poly(alkyleneoxide).

Aspect 16: The insulated conductor of aspect 15, wherein the compositioncomprises 17 to 30 parts by weight of the poly(phenylene ether), 7 to 17parts by weight of the hydrogenated block copolymer, 2 to 7 parts byweight of the polypropylene or the polyethylene, wherein thepolyethylene comprises linear low density polyethylene, 3 to 9 parts byweight of the polybutene, 15 to 25 parts by weight of a copolymer ofmonomers comprising ethylene and a C₃₋₁₂ alpha olefin, 28 to 38 parts byweight of the flame retardant, 1 to 4 parts by weight of the liquidultraviolet absorbing agent, and 1 to 4 parts by weight of thepoly(alkylene oxide).

Aspect 17: The insulated conductor of aspect 16, wherein thepoly(phenylene ether) is a poly(phenylene ether) having an intrinsicviscosity of 0.35 to 0.5 deciliter per gram and comprises poly(phenyleneether) homopolymer and poly(phenylene ether)-polysiloxane blockcopolymer; wherein the flame retardant comprises magnesium dihydroxide;wherein the hydrogenated hydrogenated block copolymer comprises apolystyrene-poly(ethylene/butylene)-polystyrene triblock copolymer;wherein the liquid ultraviolet absorbing agent comprises a liquidhydroxyl phenyl benzotriazole ultraviolet absorbing agent, a liquidcyanoacrylate ultraviolet absorbing agent, or a combination comprisingat least one of the foregoing; wherein the poly(alkylene oxide)comprises a poly(propylene oxide) mono(C₁₋₁₂ alkyl ether); and whereinthe copolymer of monomers comprising ethylene and a C₃₋₁₂ alpha olefincomprises a copolymer of ethylene and 1-octene, and a maleicanhydride-grafted copolymer of ethylene and 1-octene.

Aspect 18: A jacketed cable, comprising: conductor; an insulatingcovering surrounding the conductor; and a jacket surrounding theinsulating covering; wherein the jacket comprises a compositioncomprising 15 to 45 parts by weight a poly(phenylene ether); 5 to 50parts by weight of a hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromaticmonomer and a conjugated diene; 0 to 15 parts by weight of apolypropylene or a polyethylene; 2 to 10 parts by weight of a polybutenehaving a number average molecular weight of 500 to 1500 grams per mole;10 to 45 parts by weight of a flame retardant; 0.5 to 10 parts by weightof a liquid ultraviolet absorbing agent having a melting point that isless than or equal to 25° C.; and 0.5 to 10 parts by weight of apoly(alkylene oxide); wherein all parts by weight are based on 100 partsby weight total of flame retardants and polymers other than thepoly(alkylene oxide).

Aspect 19: The jacketed cable of aspect 18, wherein the compositioncomprises 17 to 30 parts by weight of the poly(phenylene ether), 7 to 17parts by weight of the hydrogenated block copolymer, 2 to 7 parts byweight of the polypropylene or the polyethylene, wherein thepolyethylene comprises linear low density polyethylene, 3 to 9 parts byweight of the polybutene, 15 to 25 parts by weight of a copolymer ofmonomers comprising ethylene and a C₃₋₁₂ alpha olefin, 28 to 38 parts byweight of the flame retardant, 1 to 4 parts by weight of the liquidultraviolet absorbing agent, and 1 to 4 parts by weight of thepoly(alkylene oxide).

Aspect 20: The jacketed cable of aspect 19, wherein the poly(phenyleneether) is a poly(phenylene ether) having an intrinsic viscosity of 0.35to 0.5 deciliter per gram and comprises poly(phenylene ether)homopolymer and poly(phenylene ether)-polysiloxane block copolymer;wherein the flame retardant comprises magnesium dihydroxide; wherein thehydrogenated hydrogenated block copolymer comprises apolystyrene-poly(ethylene/butylene)-polystyrene triblock copolymer;wherein the liquid ultraviolet absorbing agent comprises a liquidhydroxyl phenyl benzotriazole ultraviolet absorbing agent, a liquidcyanoacrylate ultraviolet absorbing agent, or a combination comprisingat least one of the foregoing; wherein the poly(alkylene oxide)comprises a poly(propylene oxide) mono(C₁₋₁₂ alkyl ether); and whereinthe copolymer of monomers comprising ethylene and a C₃₋₁₂ alpha olefincomprises a copolymer of ethylene and 1-octene, and a maleicanhydride-grafted copolymer of ethylene and 1-octene.

The compositions, methods, and articles can alternatively comprise,consist of, or consist essentially of, any appropriate components orsteps herein disclosed. The compositions, methods, and articles canadditionally, or alternatively, be formulated so as to be devoid, orsubstantially free, of any steps, components, materials, ingredients,adjuvants, or species that are otherwise not necessary to theachievement of the function or objectives of the compositions, methods,and articles.

All ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and theendpoints are independently combinable with each other. “Combinations”is inclusive of blends, mixtures, alloys, reaction products, and thelike. The terms “first,” “second,” and the like, do not denote anyorder, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish oneelement from another. The terms “a” and “an” and “the” do not denote alimitation of quantity, and are to be construed to cover both thesingular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearlycontradicted by context. “Or” means “and/or” unless clearly statedotherwise. Reference throughout the specification to “some embodiments”,“an embodiment”, and so forth, means that a particular element describedin connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodimentdescribed herein, and may or may not be present in other embodiments. Inaddition, it is to be understood that the described elements may becombined in any suitable manner in the various embodiments.

Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of skill in theart to which this application belongs. All cited patents, patentapplications, and other references are incorporated herein by referencein their entirety. However, if a term in the present applicationcontradicts or conflicts with a term in the incorporated reference, theterm from the present application takes precedence over the conflictingterm from the incorporated reference.

The term “alkyl” means a branched or straight chain, unsaturatedaliphatic hydrocarbon group, e.g., methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, i-propyl,n-butyl, s-butyl, t-butyl, n-pentyl, s-pentyl, and n- and s-hexyl.“Alkenyl” means a straight or branched chain, monovalent hydrocarbongroup having at least one carbon-carbon double bond (e.g., ethenyl(—HC═CH₂)). “Alkoxy” means an alkyl group that is linked via an oxygen(i.e., alkyl-O—), for example methoxy, ethoxy, and sec-butyloxy groups.“Alkylene” means a straight or branched chain, saturated, divalentaliphatic hydrocarbon group (e.g., methylene (—CH₂—) or, propylene(—(CH₂)₃—)). “Cycloalkylene” means a divalent cyclic alkylene group,-Call, wherein x is the number of hydrogens replaced by cyclization(s).“Cycloalkenyl” means a monovalent group having one or more rings and oneor more carbon-carbon double bonds in the ring, wherein all ring membersare carbon (e.g., cyclopentyl and cyclohexyl). “Aryl” means an aromatichydrocarbon group containing the specified number of carbon atoms, suchas phenyl, tropone, indanyl, or naphthyl. The prefix “halo” means agroup or compound including one more of a fluoro, chloro, bromo, or iodosubstituent. A combination of different halo groups (e.g., bromo andfluoro), or only chloro groups can be present. The prefix “hetero” meansthat the compound or group includes at least one ring member that is aheteroatom (e.g., 1, 2, or 3 heteroatom(s)), wherein the heteroatom(s)is each independently N, O, S, Si, or P. “Substituted” means that thecompound or group is substituted with at least one (e.g., 1, 2, 3, or 4)substituents that can each independently be a C₁₋₉ alkoxy, a C₁₋₉haloalkoxy, a nitro (—NO₂), a cyano (—CN), a C₁₋₆ alkyl sulfonyl(—S(═O)₂-alkyl), a C₆₋₁₂ aryl sulfonyl (—S(═O)₂-aryl) a thiol (—SH), athiocyano (—SCN), a tosyl (CH₃C₆H₄SO₂—), a C₃₋₁₂ cycloalkyl, a C₂₋₁₂alkenyl, a C₅₋₁₂ cycloalkenyl, a C₆₋₁₂ aryl, a C₇₋₁₃ arylalkylene, aC₄₋₁₂ heterocycloalkyl, and a C₃₋₁₂ heteroaryl instead of hydrogen,provided that the substituted atom's normal valence is not exceeded. Thenumber of carbon atoms indicated in a group is exclusive of anysubstituents. For example —CH₂CH₂CN is a C₂ alkyl group substituted witha nitrile.

While particular embodiments have been described, alternatives,modifications, variations, improvements, and substantial equivalentsthat are or may be presently unforeseen may arise to applicants orothers skilled in the art. Accordingly, the appended claims as filed andas they may be amended are intended to embrace all such alternatives,modifications variations, improvements, and substantial equivalents.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A poly(phenylene ether) compositioncomprising 15 to 45 parts by weight a poly(phenylene ether); 5 to 50parts by weight of a hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromaticmonomer and a conjugated diene; 0 to 15 parts by weight of apolypropylene or a polyethylene; 2 to 10 parts by weight of a polybutenehaving a number average molecular weight of 500 to 1500 grams per mole;10 to 45 parts by weight of a flame retardant; 0.5 to 10 parts by weightof a liquid ultraviolet absorbing agent having a melting point that isless than or equal to 25° C.; and 0.5 to 10 parts by weight of apoly(alkylene oxide); wherein all parts by weight are based on 100 partsby weight total of flame retardants and polymers other than thepoly(alkylene oxide).
 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein thepoly(phenylene ether) is a poly(phenylene ether) having an intrinsicviscosity of 0.35 to 0.5 deciliter per gram and comprises poly(phenyleneether) homopolymer and poly(phenylene ether)-polysiloxane blockcopolymer.
 3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the flame retardantcomprises a magnesium dihydroxide, an aluminum hydroxide, an aluminumoxide hydroxide, or a combination comprising at least one of theforegoing.
 4. The composition of claim 1, further comprising a smokesuppressant.
 5. The composition of claim 1, wherein the liquidultraviolet absorbing agent is a liquid hydroxyl phenyl benzotriazoleultraviolet absorbing agent, a liquid cyanoacrylate ultravioletabsorbing agent, a liquid hydroxybenzophenone ultraviolet absorbingagent, a liquid hydroxyl phenyl triazine ultraviolet absorbing agent, aliquid oxanilide ultraviolet absorbing agent, or a combinationcomprising at least one of the foregoing.
 6. The composition of claim 1,wherein the poly(alkylene oxide) is a poly(ethylene oxide), apoly(propylene oxide), a random copolymer of ethylene oxide andpropylene oxide, a block copolymer of ethylene oxide and propyleneoxide, a monoalkyl ether of the foregoing, a dialkyl ether of theforegoing, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing. 7.The composition of claim 1, wherein the poly(alkylene oxide) has anumber average molecular weight of 300 to 40,000 grams per mole.
 8. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein the poly(alkylene oxide) comprises apoly(propylene oxide) mono (C₁₋₁₂ alkyl) ether.
 9. The composition ofclaim 1, further comprising 5 to 30 parts by weight of a copolymer ofmonomers comprising ethylene and a C₃₋₁₂ alpha olefin.
 10. Thecomposition of claim 9, wherein the copolymer comprising a copolymer ofethylene and 1-octene, and a maleic anhydride-grafted copolymer ofethylene and 1-octene.
 11. The composition of claim 1, wherein thehydrogenated block copolymer comprises apolystyrene-poly(ethylene/butylene)-polystyrene triblock copolymer. 12.The composition of claim 1, comprising: 17 to 30 parts by weight of thepoly(phenylene ether), 7 to 17 parts by weight of the hydrogenated blockcopolymer, 2 to 7 parts by weight of the polypropylene or thepolyethylene, wherein the polyethylene comprises linear low densitypolyethylene, 3 to 9 parts by weight of the polybutene, 15 to 25 partsby weight of a copolymer of monomers comprising ethylene and a C₃₋₁₂alpha olefin, 28 to 38 parts by weight of the flame retardant, 1 to 4parts by weight of the liquid ultraviolet absorbing agent, and 1 to 4parts by weight of the poly(alkylene oxide).
 13. The composition ofclaim 12, wherein the poly(phenylene ether) is a poly(phenylene ether)having an intrinsic viscosity of 0.35 to 0.5 deciliter per gram andcomprises poly(phenylene ether) homopolymer and poly(phenyleneether)-polysiloxane block copolymer; wherein the flame retardantcomprises magnesium dihydroxide; wherein the hydrogenated hydrogenatedblock copolymer comprises apolystyrene-poly(ethylene/butylene)-polystyrene triblock copolymer;wherein the liquid ultraviolet absorbing agent comprises a liquidhydroxyl phenyl benzotriazole ultraviolet absorbing agent, a liquidcyanoacrylate ultraviolet absorbing agent, or a combination comprisingat least one of the foregoing; wherein the poly(alkylene oxide)comprises a poly(propylene oxide) mono(C₁₋₁₂ alkyl ether); and whereinthe copolymer of monomers comprising ethylene and a C₃₋₁₂ alpha olefincomprises a copolymer of ethylene and 1-octene, and a maleicanhydride-grafted copolymer of ethylene and 1-octene.
 14. Thecomposition of claim 1, further comprising an additive compositioncomprising one or more of stabilizers, mold release agents, lubricants,processing aids, drip retardants, hindered amine light stabilizers,cycloaliphatic epoxy resins, dyes, pigments, antioxidants, anti-staticagents, mineral oil, metal deactivators, and combinations comprising atleast one of the foregoing.
 15. An insulated conductor comprising: aconductor; and an insulating covering disposed over the conductor;wherein the insulating covering comprises a poly(phenylene ether)composition comprising: 15 to 45 parts by weight a poly(phenyleneether); 5 to 50 parts by weight of a hydrogenated block copolymer of analkenyl aromatic monomer and a conjugated diene; 0 to 15 parts by weightof a polypropylene or a polyethylene; 2 to 10 parts by weight of apolybutene having a number average molecular weight of 500 to 1500 gramsper mole; 10 to 45 parts by weight of a flame retardant; 0.5 to 10 partsby weight of a liquid ultraviolet absorbing agent having a melting pointthat is less than or equal to 25° C.; and 0.5 to 10 parts by weight of apoly(alkylene oxide); wherein all parts by weight are based on 100 partsby weight total of flame retardants and polymers other than thepoly(alkylene oxide).
 16. The insulated conductor of claim 15, whereinthe composition comprises 17 to 30 parts by weight of the poly(phenyleneether), 7 to 17 parts by weight of the hydrogenated block copolymer, 2to 7 parts by weight of the polypropylene or the polyethylene, whereinthe polyethylene comprises linear low density polyethylene, 3 to 9 partsby weight of the polybutene, 15 to 25 parts by weight of a copolymer ofmonomers comprising ethylene and a C₃₋₁₂ alpha olefin, 28 to 38 parts byweight of the flame retardant, 1 to 4 parts by weight of the liquidultraviolet absorbing agent, and 1 to 4 parts by weight of thepoly(alkylene oxide).
 17. The insulated conductor of claim 16, whereinthe poly(phenylene ether) is a poly(phenylene ether) having an intrinsicviscosity of 0.35 to 0.5 deciliter per gram and comprises poly(phenyleneether) homopolymer and poly(phenylene ether)-polysiloxane blockcopolymer; wherein the flame retardant comprises magnesium dihydroxide;wherein the hydrogenated hydrogenated block copolymer comprises apolystyrene-poly(ethylene/butylene)-polystyrene triblock copolymer;wherein the liquid ultraviolet absorbing agent comprises a liquidhydroxyl phenyl benzotriazole ultraviolet absorbing agent, a liquidcyanoacrylate ultraviolet absorbing agent, or a combination comprisingat least one of the foregoing; wherein the poly(alkylene oxide)comprises a poly(propylene oxide) mono(C₁₋₁₂ alkyl ether); and whereinthe copolymer of monomers comprising ethylene and a C₃₋₁₂ alpha olefincomprises a copolymer of ethylene and 1-octene, and a maleicanhydride-grafted copolymer of ethylene and 1-octene.
 18. A jacketedcable, comprising: a conductor; an insulating covering surrounding theconductor; and a jacket surrounding the insulating covering; wherein thejacket comprises a composition comprising 15 to 45 parts by weight apoly(phenylene ether); 5 to 50 parts by weight of a hydrogenated blockcopolymer of an alkenyl aromatic monomer and a conjugated diene; 0 to 15parts by weight of a polypropylene or a polyethylene; 2 to 10 parts byweight of a polybutene having a number average molecular weight of 500to 1500 grams per mole; 10 to 45 parts by weight of a flame retardant;0.5 to 10 parts by weight of a liquid ultraviolet absorbing agent havinga melting point that is less than or equal to 25° C.; and 0.5 to 10parts by weight of a poly(alkylene oxide); wherein all parts by weightare based on 100 parts by weight total of flame retardants and polymersother than the poly(alkylene oxide).
 19. The jacketed cable of claim 18,wherein the composition comprises 17 to 30 parts by weight of thepoly(phenylene ether), 7 to 17 parts by weight of the hydrogenated blockcopolymer, 2 to 7 parts by weight of the polypropylene or thepolyethylene, wherein the polyethylene comprises linear low densitypolyethylene, 3 to 9 parts by weight of the polybutene, 15 to 25 partsby weight of a copolymer of monomers comprising ethylene and a C₃₋₁₂alpha olefin, 28 to 38 parts by weight of the flame retardant, 1 to 4parts by weight of the liquid ultraviolet absorbing agent, and 1 to 4parts by weight of the poly(alkylene oxide).
 20. The jacketed cable ofclaim 19, wherein the poly(phenylene ether) is a poly(phenylene ether)having an intrinsic viscosity of 0.35 to 0.5 deciliter per gram andcomprises poly(phenylene ether) homopolymer and poly(phenyleneether)-polysiloxane block copolymer; wherein the flame retardantcomprises magnesium dihydroxide; wherein the hydrogenated hydrogenatedblock copolymer comprises apolystyrene-poly(ethylene/butylene)-polystyrene triblock copolymer;wherein the liquid ultraviolet absorbing agent comprises a liquidhydroxyl phenyl benzotriazole ultraviolet absorbing agent, a liquidcyanoacrylate ultraviolet absorbing agent, or a combination comprisingat least one of the foregoing; wherein the poly(alkylene oxide)comprises a poly(propylene oxide) mono(C₁₋₁₂ alkyl ether); and whereinthe copolymer of monomers comprising ethylene and a C₃₋₁₂ alpha olefincomprises a copolymer of ethylene and 1-octene, and a maleicanhydride-grafted copolymer of ethylene and 1-octene.